Blogmas Day 9

Blogmas Day 7

Having a Nail of a Time: Blog,as Day 6

Hello there,

The Christmas tree went up in our house today and it looks great and makes me feel very Christmassy!! Today's nail art is conveniently a Christmas tree.

To create this nail I began by painting the nail black. I then used striping tape and a green polish to create the tree. To finish I added a glitter polish to the tree and a star on top!

Alice xxx

Having a Nail of a Time: Blogmas Day 5

Hallohah,

Today is Blogmas Day 5 and I must say I have been particularly looking forward to today as I have a really cute design to show you...

How cute is that penguin! I'm am definatley going to be recreating that look on my nails at some point this Christmas!!

Alice xxx

Having a Nail of a Time: Blogmas Day

Hello there everybody,

It's the fourth day of Decemebr, which is not only great because it is 21 sleeps until Christmas, but I officially finished my mock exams today!! Woo!!

So here is nail art design number 4...

Today's design is simply a glitter accent nail.

You can use a glitter nail to add a bit of sparkle to you nails art, or just as an accent nail for a plain mani. And hey, it you feel like, why not paint all your nails sparkly? Perfect for Christmas!!

Hope you like todays nail art. Check back tomorrow for more (be warned day 5 is going to be super super cute)!!

Alice xxx

Blogmas Day 3

Having a Nail of a Time: Blogmas Day 2 - Little love hearts

Hello everyone,

It is the second of December which means we are officially one day closer to Christmas than we were yesterday!! Yay!!!!

And her is the nail design for today...

This design is far less Christmassy, but I still think it is perfect for the winter.

The navy, white and red work really well together, but you could easily swap the colours round if you wanted to.

If you were feeling a little more festive and wintry, why not try swapping the hearts for little snowflakes? 

I hope you like this design.

Check back tomorrow to see a new design revealed.

By for now,

Alice xxx

Having a Nail of a Time: Blogmas Day 1

Hello everyone,

Today is the first day of December!! As well as my chocolate advent calendar (yum!) I have decided to post a sort of nail art advent calendar too.

I plan to post daily up to Christmas, each day revealing a new design on a nails art wheel.

There may also be some extra posts, which are slightly different too.

But without any further ado... I begin Blogmas.

The first design is a Rudolf.

I had these painted on my nails last Christmas and so many people asked me if they were stickers! It's a really simple and easy design and the perfect start to blogmas!

What is your advent calendar like this year? Or what nail art design do you plan on wearing this christmas? Let me know in the comments below.

Alice xxx

Having a Nail of a Time: Nail Tag Questions

Hello everyone,

It's time for a Nail Tag!!! I have never done a tag, but here goes anyway!

1. What's your favorite nail polish company? 

Barry M. They have such a wide variety of types of polishes and colours at reasonable prices!

2. Glitter or no glitter?

As much as the long process to remove it pains me, glitter! I love the way it adds sparkle to my nails. It can easily change the look of my nail art, or by painting one nail glittery you can transform your average manicure!

3. OPI, China Glaze, or Essie? 

Essie. I own a couple of Essie polishes and I love them. I have tried a few OPI polishes, but I only really liked one, and I have never tried China Glaze before.

4. When do you change your nail polish? 

A lot, because of school if I paint them on a weekday (which happens quite a lot) I have to remove them the next morning before school.

5. What's your favorite color on your nails? 

At the moment I am loving pastel colours, particularly pastel blues and greens! I think they look so lovely on the nails!

6. Darks or brights?

I usually go for bright colours over dark colours, simply because they are easier to use for nail art.

7. What are you wearing on your nails right this moment?

Sadly, nothing! I've had school today, but as it is the weekend I might paint something later!

8. Matte nails... in or out?

Hmmm... I'm going to say in! I really want to buy a Barry M Summer Matte Collection polish! Any recommendations as to the colour?

9. Do you like french manicures? 

They're ok, and I think they look professional, but personally I prefer some nail art, because I think it is much more exciting!

10. What's your favorite winter color?

I'm going to say navy, just because I loved my polka dot nail art some much which you can take a look at here.

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: Mix and match nail art

Hello everyone,

After my post the other day that featured USA themed nail art, I decided to post something a little more patriotic to my home country! Don't get me wrong, I love the USA and I loved my nail art for Independance Day, I just love the Union Jack too!!!

These nails remind me of pick and mix sweets, there is a little bit of everything. You've got polka dots, glitter, chevron, stripes and even a Union Jack! What could be better? (Actual sweet?!?!)

My favourite is the Union Jack but I like the chevron too!! 

And below to finish, is a nice close up the Union Jack nail for you all!!

I hope you like these as much as I do!! Check back soon for more nail art! And feel free to leave a comment below! I'd love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a suggestion for a future post or you just want to say something about these nails.

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: American Independence Day Nails

Hello everyone,

As you probably already know yesterday was the Fourth of July, and that can only mean one thing... It was American Independence Day!! So what could be more fitting than some American themed nail art?

I opted for American flags on my thumb and ring finger, and plain white with some USA shooting star stickers I already owned on top. I'm not sure where I got them as it was quite a long time ago, but they were absolutely perfect for this nail art.

On my nails I used:

- 'Sally Hansen hard as nails' in white
- 'Rio proffesional nail art pen and brush' in blue
- 'Rio proffessional nail art pen and brush' in red for the red stripes

- 'Essence' dotting tool for the white dots
- American Independence day stickers for nails (not sure where I bought these!)

So there they are! I hope you liked them. Feel free to comment down below if you did anything special yesterday! And I guess all there is left to say is... Happy Independence Day to all my American readers.

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: June Favourites

Hello everyone,

It's July!!! And with the new month here, I thought what better than reflecting on the previous month. So I decided on doing my June favourites.

1. My favourite nail art design

My favourite nail art design I posted this month has to be my 'Okay? Okay' design, inspired by 'The Fault in Our Stars' which you can see here.

2. My favourite nail art blogger

This month I have been loving Sammy at 'The Nailsaurus'. She posts regularly and never fails to amaze me with her latest designs. They are always creative and unique. If you haven't already seen her blog, then what are you waiting for? Go and check it out.

3. My favourite polish

My favourite polish this month has been 'Barry M hyper-gel' in the shade 'blueberry', as it is such a bright colour that looks great on.

Before I go I would just like to wish my friend Emily a very happy birthday! Check out her blog she started recently here.

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: Chevron Feather Nail Art

Hello everyone,

Today I have some 'Chevron Feather Nails' to show you all.

Prior to putting the brush to the nail I had decided on chevron pattern, but then they ended up looking like this. Don't get me wrong I really like them, I just find naming them difficult. I do think they are sort of like chevron patterned, but they also remind me of feathers, not sure why!!

Anyway, here they are...

For these nails I used:

- 'Essie' nail polish in the shade 'bikini so teeny'

- 'Essie' nail polish in the shade 'turquoise and caicos'

- 'Rio professional nail brush and pen' in white

So there they are. I hope you like them. I love these nails because they are so simple, yet so effective, and you can use any colours you like. It doesn't have to be the same as mine.  What colours do think would look good? Feel free to leave a comment below letting me know, or send me an email featuring your recreation to havinganailofatime@gmail.com

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: It's raining polka dots

Hello everyone,

Today's post may be called 'it's raining polka dots' but this nail art design doesn't just have to be for rainy days.

I must admit when I initially painted the nude base, I had no idea what design I was going to do on top.

In my navy polka dot nail art, I said I was going to reach for my navy polish bottle more often, and true to my word, I used it here. I had no idea that these three colours colour work well with each other, but I think they do. I love the muted nude, with the deep navy and the neon pink.

Out of the many times I have painted polka dots on my nails, I have never before painted the polka dots like this. I love the way they are like an ombré/gradient style.

For this nail art I used:

- 'Models Own Hypergel' in the shade 'Naked Glow' for the base

- 'Models Own' nail polish in the shade 'hot pink' for polka dots

- '17 fast finish' nail polish in navy

- essence dotting tool

Personally, I think that this nail art is simple and versatile. Anyone can achieve this look with some nail polish and a dotting tool. But if you don't have a dotting tool, you could always try using a cotton bud or a cocktail stick. However, I find a dotting tool easier and they are not expensive.

You could use any colours you want with this nail art. Why not try the latest summer colours, or different shades of one colour. The possibilities are endless. What are you going to try? Let me know it in the comments below.

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: My 2014 nail polish wishlist

Hello everyone,

Recently, there have been a number of nail polishes I have been after and so I decided to make a wishlist. So here it is:

1. MUA Nail Polish

When I first noticed the MUA nail polish in Superdrug, I have to admit it was initially the bottle that drew me in. Why? Because it looks very similar to Essie. I have read a few comparisons and they sound all right, and at a pound a bottle it seems hard to go wrong. The line is filled with so many colours that are perfect for summer, and you can have a look at them here.
You can find these polishes at Superdrug for £1.00 each

2. Maybelline Acid Wash Effect

I initially saw this polish used on Nailsaurus, here, a few days ago, and I instantly loved it.  It looks like the perfect polish to add over the top of those summer shades.
You can buy these polishes at Boots for £3.99

3. Sinful Colours Glitter Nail Enamel 'Nail Junkie'

After seeing this glitter polish on Makeup Savvy, here, and reading about how good Sinful Colours polishes are supposed to be, I decided this is a colour I might like to add to my collection.
You can buy this polish at Boots for £1.99

4. W7 Sorbet Nail Polish 'Pistachio'

I also saw this nail polish on Makeup Savvy, here, and absolutely loved the colour! I'm not sure where you can buy W7 in the UK, so if you happen to know please let me know in the 
comments below.

5. Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine

I currently own the shade 'blueberry' and I absolutely love it, so much that I want to buy a few more, I keep seeing new shades popping up in nail art blogs and I particularly like the look of 'huckleberry' and 'coconut'.
You can buy these polishes at Boots for £3.99 each

So that is my nail polish wishlist. 

I am going to be posting some more nail art in the next few days, but in the meantime if there are any nail polishes you are hoping to pick up for the summer,mor if you have recently bought any, let me know in the comments below.

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: Burning my nail

Hello everyone,

So today's post is a bit of a story...

I feel like it is a Monday morning and I am back in primary school, sat on the carpet waiting for the soft toy to be in my hands so I can tell everyone what I did this weekend. Except it is Wednesday evening and I'm holding the keyboard so it is my turn to tell you all what happened yesterday!!!

I am currently working towards me bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and I had training last night. We were learning how to light a camp stove. The majority of my group were too scared to light it, but I gave it a go. With it being broad daylight we were unable to see the flame, and not knowing the gas had been turned on I held the firefighter over stove, not realising it was lit. Unbeknownst to myself, my nail was burning! When someone finally told me I realised and was like "oh!" It appeared my nail had melted (if that is even possible? Maybe it just burnt... I'm not too sure)!!! 

The good news is that the damage is not bad at all and it didn't hurt on bit!!

I'm sorry today wasn't a nail art post, but I thought it would be good to mix things up a bit and live life on the wild side!!! (This reminds me if my friend Holly, who wrote a blog post about the phrase YOLO, which you can see here)!

Anyway, thanks for reading and I will see you very soon!!

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: Navy polka dot nails

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a lovely start to the week!

I decided to paint these navy polka dot nails, to match my navy polka dots shorts.

They are unbelievably simple, yet they look so effective. Navy isn't a colour I use often on my nails, but after this manicure it might become a more regular choice! I'm pretty sure I'm going to be reaching for it more now!

To create these nails I used:

- 'Seventeen Fast Finish Nail polish' in navy

- 'Models Own Hypergel' in 'White Light'

- Essence dotting tool

Even though the navy nail polish was really cheap - it only cost me 25p in Boots!!! ssh... I know... great bargain - it's has a really nice application and I'm very happy with it.

Personally, I think these nails would look great with some bright flowers on top, perhaps neon colours. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

 Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: Gala bunting nails

Hello everyone,

Today was Penwortham Gala, which although the name might suggest otherwise, is actually quite a big event (well... for the locals anyway)! For those of you not within a 5 mile radius of our lovely little town of Penwortham, Penwortham Gala begins with a parade around the roads, and then afterward everyone heads to the park. On the park their is a selection of rides, lots of stalls and, my favourite part, food!!! 

In the weeks leading up to the gala, our streets are lined with bunting, and that is where my idea for this nail art came from. 

But enough of my wittering, here they are:

To create these nails I used:

- 'Models Own hypergel' in 'pink veneer' for the base
- 'Rio professional nail art pen and brush' in blue for the bunting outline
- 'Rio professional nail art pen and brush' in red
- 'Rio professional nail art pen and brush' in white

I hope you like them!

Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions for future nail art posts.

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: A trip to Rome

Hi everyone,

So it's finally Friday and I am so glad to have made it through yet another busy week, juggling school, homework, revision and everything else in my life. The weather outside is so nice and after enjoying a well deserved ice lolly (this week has just been non stop), I thought I would write a post.

Today's post is a little different (not that I have done much for it to be any different from)! What I mean is this post isn't going to be a regular occurrence, it's just a one off.

In May, I went on a school trip to Rome and it was absolutely amazing. Aside from touring Rome, eating Pizza and attempting to speak a little Italian, I managed to paint a few people's nails and I thought it might be a nice idea to feature them on my blog. So here they are:

These are Emily's nails and these are the same design I posted earlier this week, only on Emily's nails and not my own. So check out my 'Simple Rose Nail Art', to see what I use to create this look.

Next up are Kathleen's nails. She absolutely loves Despicable me, so there wasn't any other nail art I could of done for her, except these minions! I love the way they turned out, but next time I think I would opt to use my silver nail art pen for the edges of the goggles, rather than black, but unfortunately I'd forgotten to pack that one in my suitcase!

For these nails I used:

- Yellow 'essence colour and go' for the base of the minion

- 'Rio professional nail art pen and brush' in blue for the dungarees

- 'Rio professional nail art pen and brush' in white for the base of the eyes

- 'Rio professional nail art pen and brush' in black to finish the eyes and add the goggles and smile!

The 'Simple Rose Nail Art' appears once again! But this time it's in different colours! These nails are Sammi's and you can check out her blog here. It's all about her exciting life and it's definitely worth taking a look at!

For these nails I used:

- 'Essie Turquoise and Caicos' for the index, middle and little finger.

- 'Barry M gelly hi-shine' in the shade 'blueberry' for the thumb and ring finger

- 'Models Own' nail polish in the shade 'hot pink' for the base of the rose

- 'Models Own' nail art pen in 'pastel pink' for the rose petals

- 'Models Own' nail art pen in 'pastel green' for the leaves

 

And finally here are Ella's nails. I think the bright pink goes really well with the black and I love how only half of the ring finger has dots. I had never thought of doing this before until Ella suggested it and now I think it looks really effective.

For these nails I used:

- 'Models Own' nail polish in the shade 'hot pink' for the base of the pink nails

- 'Barry M nail paint' in the shade 'black' for the other nails and the dots

- Essence nail art dotting tool to create the dots

Before I go, I just need to say happy birthday to one of my blogging buddies, Beth. She is 15 today so I just wanted to wish her a happy birthday and I hope she has an amazing day. Check out her blog here. She blogs about so many different things, and I am sure her words will put a smile on your face.

Thank you to those of to those of you who made it this far! I know it was a long post, but I hope you enjoyed it nevertheless. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave me a comment below.

Thanks,

You

Having a Nail of a Time: The Fault in Our Stars Nails

Hello everyone,

'My thoughts are stars I can't fathom into constellations'

Anyone a fan of 'The Fault in Our Stars'? 

I loved the book and I can't wait to see the film. As it has just been the fan screening, I felt it was appropriate to feature some nails on my blog, with the famous 'Okay'!

So here they are:

I used:

- Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in blueberry for the colour of each nail

- Models Own Hypergel in white light for the white cloud
- Barry M black nail polish for the black cloud
- Rio professional nail art pen and brush in white for the 'OKAY.'
- Rio professional nail art pen and brush in black for the 'OKAY?'

I just love how the colours, black, white and blue, all go really well together. I never usually do the nail art on only my middle  and ring finger, I usually opt for my thumb and ring finger, but I think it works really well!

I will have take these off by tomorrow morning, as I have school, but maybe I could redo them when I go to see the film.

Are you going to watch 'The Fault in Our Stars', or have you already been? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: Simple Rose Nail Art

Hi everyone,

As this is the first nail art I'm showing you, I thought I would begin with something simple, yet stunning. No matter how many times I do these roses on my nails, they never fail to impress me. This time, I decided to paint them with a mixture of stripes and polka dots, but these can be easily switched around, or not added at all. And there are so many options when it comes to colour choices! You can paint roses on your nails time and time again and they'll never look quite the same!

To create the nails with the roses I used:

- Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in the shade blueberry for the base

- Models Own Hypergel in white light for the dots

- Models Own nail polish in the shade hot pink for the base of the rose

- Models Own nail art pen in the shade pastel pink for the rose petals

- Models Own nail art pen in the shade pastel green for the leaves

To create the striped nails I used:

- Models Own nail polish in the shade lilac dream

- Rio professional nail art pen and brush in white

To finish I used my essence quick dry top coat.

I think these nails are absolutely perfect for the spring and summer months! What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks,

Having a Nail of a Time: An introduction

Over time I have become a little bit obsessed with nail art, ok, underexaguration (is that even a word? Apparently not, it is underlined in that frightening, red squiggle!) I meant understatement. I am not just a little obsessed with nail art, I am incredibly obsessed! Hence, my creation of this blog.

Since a young age I have enjoyed painting, not only my nails but also on paper. After receiving my first set of nail art pens, I began with simple flowers and progressed onto USA flags and other little designs. It was only in the later months of 2013 that I discovered nail art blogs and I really started to get into this. I finally mastered the rose and began to be more daring with my ideas. I love to paint my own nails, and my family and friends nails too. Unfortunately, it's against the rules at my school to wear nail polish, but I will paint my nails on a school night, even though I have to remove it the next morning, just to try out a new design.

So here's my little space on the internet, especially for my nail art! I have so many different ideas for the posts to follow this, but I felt the best way to start this blog was with an introduction. So check back soon to see some of my nail art designs and please feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email to havinganailofatime@gmail.com

Thanks